Captain Manson, 104th Precinct, just called to alert us about a deception burglary that occurred today at approximately 4:00 pm in the vicinity of 53rd/65th Place in Maspeth.

Two male whites posing as DEP workers rang the bell of an 83-year old senior and told her they needed to check the water. While one perpetrator distracted her, the other stole $1500.

Captain Manson said that DEP work is going on in the area and they used this as a "cover". He said that these two men were seen ringing doorbells prior to going to the senior's house but no one was home. The victim was taken to the location where DEP was working but none of the men were identified as the perpetrators.

I know you've all heard this before, but PLEASE alert your neighbors - especially seniors - about this scam. No utility company will come to your home to "check" anything without calling you first. If the person(s) seems insistent to get into your home, call the utility company to verify the person is legitimate or call 911.